Episode 114: The Business of Dentistry and Verbal Jiu Jitsu

We have the host of The Business of Dentistry Podcast, Dr. Russell Kirk, on our latest episode! Not only is he a fellow podcaster and talented oral surgeon, but he’s also active in the United States Navy Reserve. Oh, and he can kick your ass with Jujitsu too. Check him out at http://www.businessofdentistrypodcast.com and http://www.tnoralsurgeon.com

Dr. Russell Kirk was born in Union City, Tennessee, and lived in West Tennessee throughout his childhood. After graduating from Obion County Central High School in 1985, he completed his undergraduate training at The University of Tennessee-Martin in 1990. Dr. Kirk attended The University of Tennessee College of Dentistry and graduated with honors in 1994.

Immediately upon completion of dental school, Dr. Kirk accepted a commission as a dental officer in the United States Navy. He became interested in the Naval Services after being awarded a Health Professions Scholarship his last year of dental school. During his senior year, he was also selected by the Navy to participate in a one year post graduate residency in general dentistry. Dr. Kirk received his Certificate for General Practice Residency from Naval Hospital Great Lakes in 1995.
After completing his Navy residency, Dr. Kirk served as the Dental Officer and Department Head for Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Four Zero (NMCB 40). During his tour with the Seabees, he was based out of Port Hueneme, California, and completed deployments to Guam, Spain and Bosnia. He completed his active duty obligation in 1997.

Upon leaving active duty, Dr. Kirk was selected as one of two dentists for advanced training in anesthesia at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. Kirk completed his Fellowship in Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine from Johns Hopkins Hospital in 1998.

Advanced postgraduate training in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery was obtained at the University of Tennessee Memphis and Regional Medical Center in Memphis, Tennessee. Dr. Kirk received his certificate in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in June of 2002.

Dr. Kirk began practicing in Lebanon, Tennessee, July 2002. In 2005, Dr. Kirk was mobilized to active duty. He closed his private practice to serve as the staff Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon at the United States Military Hospital Kuwait in conjunction with Expeditionary Medical Facility Dallas. He returned home and re-opened his practice in March of 2006. He opened a second office in Mount Juliet in 2007. Plans for renovations to this facility are underway.

While maintaining his schedule at the office, Dr. Kirk remains very active in the United States Navy Reserve. Dr. Kirk was promoted to the rank of Captain in June 2013. He is currently the Senior Executive for Expeditionary Medical Facility Great Lakes One.
Dr. Kirk also remains active in hospital, dental and civic activities in the surrounding community. He is an active member of the American Dental Association, Tennessee Dental Association, Nashville Dental Society, American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Tennessee Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, and Diplomate of American Dental Society of Anesthesiology.

Dr. Kirk is married to Dr. Ann-Marie Sutherland. They have two daughters, Presley-Kate and Harper-Grace, and one son, Brennan James. His hobbies include training in Krav Maga and Brazilian Jiu Jistsu.